Over the past number of days I have been commenting on St. Patrick as a celebration of Ireland, but of course it is also a religious observance. I would be remise if I did not comment on the most significant day in the liturgical calendar, Easter. First and foremost tomorrow is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is a time of joy and a time for renew.

I always felt a certain connection to this season, trying to deal with the death and resurrection of Jesus was at times difficult to grasp as a young boy, especially with the Easter bunny coming the night before. This year will not really smell like spring in Newfoundland but as a young boy, combining the religious observance, the Big Bunny and thoughts of spring was amazing. I think it is important to not forget the real reason for the season.

Easter Bunny

For children the Easter Bunny is a major part of the Easter season. Some research mentions the Bunny back in the 1500’s in Germany.

Here is an excerpt from http://www.holidays.net/easter/bunny1.htm

“The Easter bunny has its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore. The Hare and the Rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season.The bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s. And were made of pastry and sugar.The German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s introduced the Easter bunny to American folklore.”

I wish everyone a blessed Easter season.

Ron